On April 8, Eye-Bank staff and a group of mission-connected volunteers boarded a chartered bus in the early hours of the morning to participate in this year’s Legislative Education Day at the state capital. As a member organization of Donate Life New York State, The Eye-Bank participates in “Leg Ed” Day each year to educate law makers and to promote legislative initiatives that increase eye, organ and tissue donation in New York. This year was the largest in-person “Leg Ed” gathering since the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 50 Donate Life advocates attended, including The Eye-Bank’s two youngest volunteers, cornea transplant recipients Austin and Greyson who both had their sight resorted through corneal transplantation as infants.
L-R: Corneal Transplant Recipients Greyson and Austin
The day began with a press conference lead by Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano. The conference featured supportive messages from several law makers and included remarks from DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder and Donate Life New York State Executive Director Aisha M. Tator.
The group then divided into teams and met with dozens of state law makers and their staff to advocate for legislation that will expand access to the New York State Donate Life Registry, update current regulations, and improve equity in the solid organ transplant system.
Eye-Bank Staff and volunteers pictured with Assembly Member George Alvarez
In each meeting, volunteers shared the positive impact eye, organ and tissue donation has had in their lives, either by making a life-changing transplant possible or by allowing a family member’s legacy to live on. Each volunteer brought their own unique experience and insights, enriching our collective understanding and reinforcing the significance of the Donate Life cause.
Currently, more than 8 million New Yorkers are enrolled in the New York State Donate Life Registry. 1.2 million of those enrollments are the direct result of legislative advocacy efforts to expand access to the state registry by adding additional enrollment portals, or “Doorways to Donation.” Thank you to all of the law makers who help restore sight, heal and save lives through their support of Donate Life New York State. And thank you to the dedicated volunteers whose personal stories keep our community connected and strong as we all work together to promote good policy and to maintain the supportive culture of donation in our state.